December 28, 2010


Dear CODEPINKer,

Two years ago, on December 27, the Israeli military began a 22-day assault on the people living inside Gaza. This brutal attack that used white phosphorous and other deadly weapons to blatantly target innocent civilians, including school children and hospital patients, resulted in the death of over 1,400 Palestinians. One year ago at this time we were in Egypt for the Gaza Freedom March, a massive effort that brought nearly 1,400 people from over 40 countries together to march for an end to the siege of Gaza. People like you did solidarity actions in over 150 cities.

We want to share with you what happened on that march in a new video just released in time for the anniversary. Please take a moment to watch it now.

Members of the Gaza Freedom March returned home determined to continue their activism. Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein, 86 years old, has done just that, from speaking up during the UC Berkeley campus divestment hearings, to joining the Gaza flotilla that was shot at by the Israelis, to participating in a flashmob dance to boycott Motorola.

So, too, CODEPINK has kept up the pressure this year, demonstrating in Congress and at the White House, protesting the pro-occupation lobby AIPAC, boycotting Ahava, helping to raise funds for the next flotilla and taking two more delegations to Gaza. You can join us on our next delegation on January 30 to February 6 where, at the invitation of the United Nations, we will be focusing on the plight of children.

The situation in Gaza remains dire. A new report called Dashed Hopes: Continuation of the Gaza Blockade says that little has changed since Israel's June 2010 announcement that it would ease the restrictions. It found that 80 percent of the population remains dependent on international aid, businesses still don't have the raw materials they need to reopen, and residents are still denied access to their friends, relatives and educational opportunities in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and abroad.

As the new year approaches, we hope you will renew your commitment to taking action for a more just and peaceful world.

Onwards to lift the siege,
Ali, Brian, Janet, Jean, Joan, Jodie, Kit, Lisa, Farida, Medea, Nancy, Pam, Rae, and Tighe

P.S. Check out Medea Benjamin's
Ten Good Things (and more) to Celebrate in a Bad Year


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